THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: OMEGA
MODEL: 145.012-67
YEAR: 1968
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 42mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

The 145.012 and the slightly earlier 105.012 are two references that have always been intriguing, they fall foul of being the last 321 models and overlooked by the more well know Ed White (105.003) reference but look like the much more common and understood 145.022. 

Whats even more incredible is it was these two references that actually went to the moon. Neil Armstrong left his 105.012 in the LEM (Lunar Excursion Module) to replace a malfunction instrument so technically it was Buzz Aldrins 145.012 that was the first watch to be worn on the moon. What's even more insane was that these two models weren't the ones tested for NASA certification, that was the aforementioned Ed White.

So what is the 145.012? Well its the last Speedmaster to use the original cal 321 movement and the first to use flat baton chrono hand. This particular example in the 27xx serial range was one of the last to be produced and has survived in its correct configuration bar the bezel , that is deemed to be a few years later. The dial and hands have aged to a striking pumpkin patina that looks tremendous against the black dial. 

The original flat link 1039/516 stamped 2/68 remains and is full link. We have just had the movement serviced and its running at a very respectable +1 s/d, 340 amps with a beat error of 0.0. Most modern movements would struggle to compete with that.